US behavior could trigger new Israel-Lebanon conflict: Russian envoy

The file photo, taken on November 1, 2018, shows Turkish and US troops during a joint patrol around the Syrian town of Manbij. (AP)

The Russian envoy to Beirut says US actions in the Middle East are aimed at sowing discord in the region and can trigger a new conflict between Israel and Lebanon.

In an interview with Russia's Sputnik news agency on Saturday, Alexander Zasypkin accused the United States of inciting “new conflicts” that could draw in countries and actors throughout the already volatile region.

"As for a conflict between Israel and Lebanon, nothing can be predicted with certainty because the region is at a crossroads. Peoples are demanding the settlement of existing crises, the return to a peaceful life, the development of cooperation," he said.

"A negative alternative to this is the incitement of new conflicts by the Americans, which could involve many countries as well as ethnic and religious forces."

Zasypkin also said Washington’s policies toward Iran and the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah were further destabilizing the region, hailing Hezbollah for playing an important role in crushing terrorists in Syria.

"When events started unfolding in Syria, Hezbollah sided with its lawful authorities, seeing the fight against terrorists in the region as its duty."

"Hezbollah became directly involved in military operations at Syria’s request, alongside Russia and Iran. The party took a responsible approach to what was happening in Syria and the region as a whole and contributed significantly to terrorists’ defeat," Zasypkin said.

Iran has been offering military advisory support to Syria at the request of the Damascus government, enabling its army to speed up its gains on various fronts against the terror groups. Hezbollah forces have also been aiding the Syrian government clear areas bordering Lebanon of terrorist groups.

The Tel Aviv regime launches frequent attacks against targets inside Syria in what is widely viewed as an attempt to prop up the terrorist groups that have been suffering heavy defeats at the hands of Syrian soldiers.

There has been a hike in Israeli strikes since the collapse late last year of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group, which significantly demoralized other militant groups operating against Damascus.

Israel has also provided weapons to anti-Damascus militants as well as medical treatment to Takfiri elements wounded in Syria.

US forces maintain significant presence in northern Syria, where they back Kurdish militants operating against the Syrian government.

Zasypkin further described the resistance movement as a powerful political party that is actively involved in the work of Lebanon’s parliament and government, saying Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was acting as a force of restraint.

After the formation of a new government, Zasypkin said, "Nasrallah notably urged political forces to refrain from fighting among themselves and to take on massive challenges the country faces."